Man and Material Culture
Course code
AIG6323.HT
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Inimene ja materiaalne kultuur
Course title in English
Man and Material Culture
ECTS credits
6.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2025/2026 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
lecturer of 2025/2026 Spring semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Course aims
To develop knowledge and create preconditions for understanding the concept of material culture. To provide an interdisciplinary perspective for interpreting the material world. All topics are illustrated with practical examples.
Brief description of the course
The course explores the concept of material culture and its applications in research. In addition to introducing theoretical foundations, it provides practical examples of analyzing and interpreting material culture. The lectures focus on humans and their relationship with material culture, examined through various types of sources and disciplines. Topics range from broader aspects of daily life (e.g. religion, cultural landscapes, nutrition) to more specific themes (e.g. jewelry and clothing, buildings, economy). While the primary emphasis is on interpreting Estonian history and cultural heritage, broader connections are also drawn.
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- understands the main theoretical premises for studying material culture;
- describes different methods for studying material culture;
- knows how to relate the study of material culture to wider social processes;
- demonstrates knowledge on Estonian history and cultural heritage and is able to relate
these topics with the study of material culture;
- uses correct terminology.
- understands the main theoretical premises for studying material culture;
- describes different methods for studying material culture;
- knows how to relate the study of material culture to wider social processes;
- demonstrates knowledge on Estonian history and cultural heritage and is able to relate
these topics with the study of material culture;
- uses correct terminology.
Teacher
Tuuli Kurisoo
Study programmes containing that course